Position overview

ACT Pathology is a business unit within the deputy chief executive division within Canberra Health Services which provides public pathology services across the entire ACT.  The main laboratory based at the Canberra Hospital is represented by all disciplines. A branch laboratory for predominantly high acuity haematology, transfusion services and chemistry is situated at the North Canberra Hospital.  Collection centres are based across the ACT at the hospitals and community health centres to provide hospital and private outpatient services.

ACT Pathology offers a complex and broad range of tests to support tertiary healthcare, including trauma services, neonatal, paediatric and adult intensive care, and all major medical and surgical specialties.  It is a RCPA training site and is involved significantly in all stages of the curriculum for the Australian National University School of Medicine and Psychology. Academic appointments and collaborative research opportunities exist with the ANU.  Clinicians at ACT Pathology frequently participate in multi-disciplinary clinical meetings and committees across the health service and at the jurisdictional and national levels.

As physical infrastructure programs are progressing across both the Canberra and North Canberra Hospital campuses, pathology is in the early planning stages for a new laboratory which will offer the opportunity to design a workspace to promote both excellence in pathology services and the working environment

Duties

1. Undertake the role of the Designated Person as defined by NPAAC standards, being responsible and accountable for the clinical governance of the laboratory, including medical oversight of Customer Services and Specimen Reception, and in collaboration with the Executive Branch Manager, undertake the clinical governance roles and responsibilities of a governing body as defined by the ACSQHC Clinical Governance Framework.
2. Be responsible for the establishment, implementation and operation of the risk management plan for ACT Pathology.
3. Participate in strategic planning, facilitate collaboration across disciplines and departments and promote a positive workplace culture as a member of the Pathology Executive Leadership Team.
4. Provide representation of ACT Pathology at relevant Canberra Health Services clinical governance committees and jurisdictional and national pathology forums.
5. Provide professional leadership for the Medical Officers of ACT Pathology, including operational, human resource management and development. Promote education, training and career development within ACT Pathology, including RCPA Registrar Programs and Australian National University School of Medicine and Psychology Pathology curriculum, teaching and assessment.
6. Act as an enabler for research within ACT Pathology in line with the Canberra Health Services Research Strategy.
7. Maintain Continuing Professional Development requirements applicable to your scope of practice by providing clinical services for a maximum of 0.2FTE within your discipline.
8. Participate in on-call/afterhours rosters as required for ACT Pathology executive and your clinical discipline.
9. Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

For Senior Specialist we will also expect that you:

1. Have demonstrated significant clinical experience outlined in a CV that clearly and comprehensively outlines the professional history.
2. Have been employed at the equivalent of a Specialist Band 5 for a period of at least three years.
3. Have demonstrated ability to provide leadership to colleagues through either clinical or administrative means.
4. Have gained demonstrable experience and attained such ability in the relevant speciality that is acceptable to CHS, to justify a recommendation for advancement to Senior Specialist by the Review Panel.
5. Be able to demonstrate your ability to undertake duties and responsibilities deemed by CHS as those expected of a Senior Specialist.
6. Be able to demonstrate that you are performing at a level consistent with this competency framework.

About you

CHS is committed to workforce diversity and to creating an inclusive workplace. As part of this commitment, we welcome applications from all diversity groups.

Behavioural Capabilities

To be successful in this position, it is expected that the successful candidate will have the following attributes:

• You will be adaptable with the ability to respond to changing circumstances.
• You will be a good listener who harnesses a range of opinions before making a decision.
• You will be a strong team leader with the skills to build teams with complementary skills.

In addition to a commitment to work, health and safety (WH&S) and contributing to the CHS positive patient focus displaying behaviours consistent with the organisational values of Reliable, Progressive, Respectful and Kind.

Position Requirements / Qualifications

Mandatory

• Be registered or be eligible for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as a Pathologist.
• Hold a Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists Australasia or an equivalent higher specialist qualification with scope of practice as a Pathologist.
• The successful applicant will need to be available for an on-call/call-back roster on weekends and after-hours.
• CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates and contingencies.
• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.
• Fulfil the responsibilities of this role in alignment to the CHS Exceptional Care Framework, Clinical Governance Framework, Partnering for Exceptional Care Framework and all other related frameworks.

Please note prior to commencement successful candidates will be required to:

• Undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.
• Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.
• Comply with Canberra Health Services Credentialing and scope of clinical practice requirements for medical professionals.

What you require (key selection criteria)

Please apply online by submitting a copy of your CV along with a cover letter responding to the below Selection Criteria:

• Extensive experience, knowledge and skills in clinical pathology.
• Demonstrated experience and skills in leadership, management and strategic planning.
• Sound knowledge of clinical governance theory and implementation, particularly as it relates to the medical pathology laboratory.
• Demonstrated experience in quality improvement initiatives and risk management.
• Commitment to the promotion of pre- and post-vocational training, education and research.
• Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, work, health and safety (WH&S) and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful and kind.

Work environment description

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.